An increasing number of Indian parents are seeing their children fight against autism. Autism is a common name and is medically referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a developmental disorder with no seemingly known cause. We know why autism occurs, but we do not have any idea about what causes these changes. We know that certain areas of the brain activity are high and others are lower, meaning there will be a spectrum. In order to treat the condition, there are several interventions designed to do so. Some of the popular ones include ABA therapy, language therapy, and the regenerative medicine approach.
In all these approaches, it is necessary that the child do not frequent mood swings. In order to control this, one of the important things is the diet of the autistic child. You will find several diet charts, but it is rare to find a diet chart for an autistic child in India. Parents with children diagnosed with ASD experiment with an increased number of things to help their child with behavior, concentration, and general wellness.
In this article, we will discuss the GFCF diet for Autism. We will share the list of different food items that ASD children can use as a foundational resource for families contemplating this dietary strategy.
Understanding the GFCF Diet for Autism
Before we start to look at the GFCF diet for autism, we must want to know: What is GFCF? GFCF diet is an acronym that stands for gluten-free, casein-free diet. Although the research for this diet is still ongoing, there is scientific evidence available that shows that autistic children do benefit from this diet.
Gluten is a protein that is present in most of the cereals that are included in the Indian diet. You will find them in wheat, barley, and rye. In contrast, casein is present in all the dairy products. Whether you are looking at curd, lassi, or milk itself. It might seem that we in India do not pay attention to these proteins in our diets. The reason is well simple: our bodies are well adjusted to break down these complex proteins.
Interestingly, it is widely understood that numerous children diagnosed with autism may exhibit sensitivities to these specific proteins. What it causes is that the digestive system of the child is unable to digest these proteins, and its interaction with the gut microbiome leads to behavioral and cognitive difficulties. Although scientific evidence is continuing to develop, studies are indicating that eliminating gluten and caesin may result in enhancements in speech, behavior, and sleep patterns.
But why specifically gluten and casein?
The rationale behind the GFCF diet is based on the idea that gluten and casein are difficult to digest for some children with autism. When these partially digested proteins enter the bloodstream, they may interfere with neurological functions. This can potentially worsen autism-related symptoms. Additionally, some children might be able to digest these, but due to a “leaky gut,” toxins from the gut leak into the bloodstream, exacerbating symptoms. This has been seen in studies that autistic children whose “leaky gut” was repaired showed lower incidences of outbreak in autism.
The Importance of a Tailored Diet for Autistic Children in India
It is challenging for a parent to tailor a diet chart for an autistic child in India. We mean typically we have a huge population that loves to eat wheat based food like chapati, parantha, and bread. In addition, after the white revolution, everyone drinks milk, and dairy products have been central in most of the cultures in India. So, when parents try to tailor a diet plan, transitioning to a GFCF diet involves making significant but manageable adjustments. It helps to ensure the child’s nutritional needs are met while avoiding gluten and caesin.
In addition to gluten and casein, some parents might want to test if they want to eliminate soy and corn. These two have been said to trigger similar sensitivity. Before you make any changes to your child’s diet, please talk to your dietitian or nutritionist for expert guidance.
Diet Chart for Autistic Children in India
Below is a sample diet chart for an autistic child in India following the GFCF diet. In this diet we have tried to eliminate gluten and caesin. Instead, we have given options for a plant-based diet that are easy to follow. So without further adieu, let’s look at these.
Breakfast Options:
- Gluten-Free Dosa or Idli made from rice or ragi flour.
- Poha (flattened rice)
- Gluten-free oats cooked with vegetables
- Smoothies: almond or coconut milk blended with a variety of fruits.
Mid-Morning Snack:
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Gluten-Free Muesli Bars made from rice or buckwheat.
Lunch Options:
- Rice with Dal or vegetables.
- Quinoa Upma
- Bajra (Pearl Millet) Roti
Evening Snack:
- Roasted Makhanas (fox nuts)
- Gluten-Free Crackers with Dairy-Free Spread
Dinner Options:
- Vegetable Pulao. Please mix vegetables that are rich in fiber.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Well, this item might require you to make your own pasta. The pasta is made from chickpeas, rice, or quinoa. Then served with a tomato-based sauce cooked in gluten-free spices.
- Masoor Dal Soup
Bedtime Drink:
- Almond Milk
- Coconut Milk
Please replace traditional cooking spices with the gluten-free spices.
GFCF Food List for ASD Children
Creating a GFCF food list for ASD children helps parents make informed choices when shopping and meal planning. Here’s a guide to some common GFCF-friendly foods:
Gluten-Free Foods:
| Grains and Flours | Pasta and Noodles | Snacks | Baked Goods |
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Made from
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Casein-Free Foods:
| Plant-Based Milks | Plant-Based Cheeses and Yogurts | Dairy-Free Butter |
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Made from combination of
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Fruits and vegetables:
Fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten- and casein-free. Popular choices include:
| Fruits | Vegetable |
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Proteins:
Developing children need to get a healthy dose of protein, and it can either be substituted by a plant source or from an animal source.
| Plant-sourced proteins | Animal-sourced proteins |
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Please note: do all the required cooking in gluten-free spices.
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Concluding Remarks
The GFCF dietfor ASD children has become a popular intervention for managing symptoms of autism. A considerable number of Indian parents have achieved positive outcomes by adopting this dietary modification. Transitioning to a GFCF diet necessitates meticulous planning. That said, the potential advantages may justify the effort, contributing to enhancements in behavior, digestion, and overall well-being.
By integrating this GFCF diet chart for autistic children in India, parents can establish a nurturing, nutrient-dense diet. This will help the child to grow and develop normally. If you are looking at alternative methods to manage your child’s autism, regenerative medicine poses a possible option. If you wish to discuss this further, please contact our stem cell experts at +919654321400 to know more about alternative regenerative medicine.
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